GREEN Building Council of Zimbabwe chairperson Mike Juru says the decarbonisation of the built environment requires an integrated approach that aligns national policies, industry practices and community behaviours.
In his opening remarks at a validation workshop on decarbonising the built environment held in Harare last week, Juru said the imperative to decarbonise was no longer theoretical, highlighting that the sector accounts for nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
The council advances green building practices across Zimbabwe to make more resilient communities possible.
“As a nation, we have witnessed the devastating effects of droughts, floods, and erratic weather patterns — manifestations of a changing climate that threaten the livelihoods of millions,” Juru said.
“The built environment, encompassing everything from housing and offices to infrastructure and public spaces, is a significant contributor to these climate pressures.
“It is also, critically, a domain where transformative change can, and must occur.”
He said Zimbabwe’s built environment was at a pivotal juncture, adding that rapid urbanisation, a growing population and the need for infrastructure development offer both opportunities and risks.
If left unchecked, he warned, urban expansion and construction could exacerbate carbon emissions and environmental degradation.
“However, with intentionality, innovation, and commitment, these same forces can drive us toward a greener, more resilient future,” he said.
Juru said the built environment should be reimagined as a driver of sustainability rather than a contributor to ecological harm.
However, achieving this transformation is no small feat, he cautioned.
“It demands an integrated approach that aligns national policies, industry practices, and community behaviours,” Juru said.
“It calls for investment in green technologies, the adoption of energy-efficient construction methods, and the promotion of renewable energy integration within our buildings and infrastructure.
“And, crucially, it necessitates collaboration across disciplines, sectors, and borders.
“Zimbabwe possesses unique opportunities to lead in this space.
“Our abundant solar resources position us as a prime candidate for renewable energy integration, offering a pathway to reducing reliance on fossil fuels in powering our buildings and cities.
“The rich architectural heritage and traditional building methods of Zimbabwe, which emphasise natural materials and passive design, offer valuable lessons for creating climate-responsive structures.”
The property guru underscored that the economic benefits of decarbonisation were equally compelling.
“Green buildings and sustainable infrastructure reduce long-term operational costs, enhance energy security, and create jobs in emerging industries such as green technology, renewable energy, and waste management,” Juru noted.
“For Zimbabwe, where economic revitalisation is a key priority, decarbonising the built environment aligns seamlessly with broader developmental goals.”
While the opportunities are significant, Juru urged stakeholders to confront the challenges with open eyes and unwavering determination, cautioning that a lack of financing for green projects, limited awareness of sustainable practices, and gaps in policy enforcement were some of the hurdles they must address.
“Furthermore, the global green building agenda must be contextualised to align with Zimbabwe’s socio-economic realities.
“Solutions that work in other regions may require adaptation to suit our unique environment, culture, and resources,” he said.
“Another challenge is the need for robust data and evidence to guide decision-making.
“This workshop provides a platform to validate not only strategies but also the data that underpins them, ensuring that our path forward is rooted in rigor and relevance.”
Juru said the solutions to decarbonising the built environment will not emerge in isolation — they will be the product of interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative thinking, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability.
“Architects must design buildings that harmonise with the environment. Engineers must pioneer new technologies and materials that reduce carbon footprints,” he said.
“Urban planners must reimagine cities as ecosystems that thrive within planetary boundaries.
“Policymakers must create enabling frameworks, and financiers must channel resources toward green initiatives.”
As part of the workshop resolutions, the leaders agreed to set up a technical working group for policy gap analysis and preparation of white paper.
They also agreed to focus on old buildings for retrofitting for a green building.